Key Highlights
- The 2026 Six Nations begins on February 5 with France and Ireland facing off at the Stade de France.
- England aims for a title return against Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, in round two.
- Ireland will play every match as defending champions, seeking to reclaim their crown from 2024 winners France.
- BBC Sport and ITV will broadcast the matches, with BBC One showing one game per round.
- The Six Nations concludes on March 14 with a high-profile clash between France and England at the Stade de France.
Preparations for the 2026 Six Nations
It’s officially February, and rugby fans can start marking their calendars. The 2026 Six Nations will kick off on Thursday, February 5, with a mouthwatering encounter between France and Ireland at the Stade de France in Paris.
England, who are currently riding an 11-match winning streak and targeting their first title since 2020, will face Wales at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday, February 7. This match promises to be a thrilling spectacle as both teams aim for victory to keep their championship hopes alive.
Scotland’s bid for a first Six Nations title will begin against Italy in Rome on February 7.
For France, who are the defending champions and 2024 winners, the tournament is a chance to cement their status as rugby powerhouses. Ireland will look to bounce back after losing the last championship and reclaim their position at the top.
TV Coverage
BBC Sport has secured the rights to broadcast one match per round on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app. The opening game between Italy and Scotland will be shown live on February 7 from Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
ITV will host all other matches, including every England game. This arrangement ensures that fans have a wide range of options to follow their teams’ progress throughout the tournament.
Towards the End
The final round of games on March 14 will feature a high-profile clash between France and England at the Stade de France in Paris, the last match of the championship. This game is likely to draw massive crowds and intense media attention as both teams vie for supremacy.
Keep an eye on BBC Sport’s website for live text commentary, reports, statistics, expert analysis, and video highlights. Rugby correspondent Chris Jones will lead the coverage from the front lines, providing in-depth insights into each match.
Additional Details
The Six Nations schedule is packed with action across six rounds. Each round features three matches, with the final round on March 14 concluding the tournament. Teams earn four points for a win and two for a draw.
A bonus point can be awarded for scoring four or more tries in a match or losing by seven points or fewer.
Teams that complete a Grand Slam by beating all five other nations are awarded three extra bonus points, ensuring they secure the title. The Six Nations is not just about winning games but also about accumulating as many bonus points as possible to strengthen their position in the standings.
The venues for the matches offer varying capacities, with Allianz Stadium in Twickenham having the largest capacity of 82,000 seats. This makes it a formidable venue for hosting big matches and creating an electric atmosphere for both players and spectators.
